Holmgren's take on 'that competition stuff'

Steve Doerschuk

Wednesday

Feb 29, 2012 at 12:01 AMFeb 29, 2012 at 12:18 PM

fshs

What is it about the Browns and weird stuff between regular seasons?
We were reminded of this during a stop on Ross Tucker’s morning show on Sirius Radio.
In the 2001 preseason opener, Jamir Miller — coming off a season in which he played like Lawrence Taylor — blew out an Achilles and never played again.
The 2006 training camp had barely begun when blockbuster free agency pick-up LeCharles Bentley went down — and permanently out.
A nice encore to the 10-6 season in 2007 was compromised during the ‘08 training camp when Donté Stallworth spiked Braylon Edwards’ foot. Edwards seemingly has yet to recover.
Now the Browns have been preparing for their most important free agency and draft roundups of the expansion era — while Tom Heckert recovers from heart surgery.
One of Heckert’s right-hand men, Jon Sandusky, has had to tough it out amid the awful publicity surrounding his father, Jerry Sandusky.
Ross Tucker, incidentally, was one of the centers brought in after Bentley was carted off in ‘06.
• • •
This came from Mike Holmgren heading into the 2010 season.
We doubt he has changed his disposition.
Anyway, it’s Holmgren talking about training camp quarterback competitions:
“I'm not a big believer in that competition stuff, where you have two quarterbacks and give 'em the same amount of reps and then pick one going into camp. In my opinion, we'd better make up our mind before we go into camp. Then put all our resources into the one guy, then if we think he needs a little work, then make him a good player. That's our obligation.”
If Matt Flynn is brought in, he will be the starter.
If Robert Griffin III is drafted, Holmgren’s mantra would allow for a spring competition but beg for a decision by early August. If McCoy is judged a better option than Griffin for 2012 and goes 11-5 ...
• • •
Where does one go for perspective on the possible price to trade up for Robert Griffin III?
The biggest quarterback deal in recent times was engineered in 2004.
The Chargers spent a No. 1 overall pick on Eli Manning, knowing Manning had stewed and pouted about whether he would ever agree to be a Charger.
The Giants had the No. 4 pick and spent it on Philip Rivers.
San Diego then dealt Manning to the Giants. New York had to put up:
• Rivers.
• A Round 3 pick in 2004. The Chargers spent a No. 65 overall choice on kicker Nate Kaeding.
• A Round 1 pick in 2005. It became a No. 12 overall choice and was used on Shawne Merriman
• A Round 5 pick in 2005 that was used to trade for tackle Romen Oben.
• • •
The Browns set the market for free agent LBs by guaranteeing D’Qwell Jackson $19 million in a five-year plan that could exceed $40 million.
Too much?
A day later, the 49ers gave linebacker Ahmad Brooks $17.5 million guaranteed in a six-year deal worth a potential $44.5 million.
Jackson was a high second-round pick in 2006. Brooks was a third-rounder the same year.
• • •
Rich Eisen ran a 6.03 40 in Indy. Not bad for a 42-year-old wearing a suit and tie, I guess.
• • •
The Giants’ opponent for the historic Wednesday night 2012 season opener has not been determined. We do not sense a Wednesday night of orange helmets ... unless maybe the Giants’ quarterback’s brother signs with Cleveland.
• • •
It wouldn’t work, but here’s how you’d frame a run at it:
The Browns sign Peyton Manning and hope to get three years out of him. Colt McCoy hangs around and is an option a few years down the road.
• • •
We won’t be watching Dancing With the Stars until we see Teddy Washington’s name on the dotted line.
• • •
Bengal OC Jay Gruden to the Cincinnati Enquirer:
“It’s kind of nice not having to travel cross country and work out every quarterback in America.”
The Browns don’t have their Andy Dalton. They kinda have to sail the seven seas to cover all of the QB contingencies.
Heckert’s health is a factor in that regard.
• • •
Had a long chat with Dermontti Dawson today at the Hall of Fame.
Nice man. I’d forgotten he was drafted in the second round by Pittsburgh shortly before the Browns picked Michael Dean Perry.
Those two had some great battles when the rivalry was a rivalry.
The Hall of Famer-elect has been checking out the Combine. He likes Ohio State tackle Mike Adams. “Good feet,” he says.

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